Pic: Altrincham FC
ALTRINCHAM chairman Grahame Rowley has backed new boss Matt Doughty to turn Alty around but admits his club are in a “perilous position”.
Doughty, who had been in caretaker charge since the sacking of Jim Harvey last month, has been given the job until the end of the season.
The decision was made prior to the New Year’s Day draw with FC United of Manchester, a result that leaves Alty bottom of the National League North and 13 points adrift of safety.
Robbie Lawton and the experienced Graham Heathcote will assist Doughty as he tries to steer the club away from a second consecutive relegation.
Chairman Rowley said: “Matt and Robbie came to see me to ask where they stood, and quite right, too, because they’ve got to be able to plan for the next week, the next month or even beyond.
“They have got to be given the chance to shine. We are in a perilous position, as we all know, but if anyone is going to turn it round, they are.
“A decision had to be made for the sake of everyone. It needed clearing up, and I’m glad we are able to do that now by announcing that they will be in charge for the rest of the season.
“They have made a positive impact and lifted spirits and morale, which is exactly what we needed.”
Doughty, known as Buzz, added: “For me, it’s the right decision, not because I want the job but because the revolving door of managers coming in has to stop.
“People look at this club from the outside and think it’s a circus, and that can’t happen. This is a proper football club, and I will make sure we are right on the pitch now.
”It’s my job now to make sure we get considerably more than seven points on the board in this half-season, and I know we can do that. We’ve got one in the bag, and hopefully there will be plenty more to come.”
